OttawaStart's Weekly Event Round-Up: May 23-29, 2013

Here are our contributors' picks for the best events in Ottawa this week. This list is also published every Wednesday night in this space. You can bookmark this link for easy access: http://ottawastart.com/weekly

Thursday May 23: Mexico Fantastico! at The Bytown Musuem
Culture, Community and Diplomacy speaks to the remarkable relationship between Canada and Mexico, as well as the strong Mexican community in Ottawa and Canada. Join us Thursday May 23 for a Curator's talk by Executive Director, Robin Etherington at 7 pm.-- Eugene HaslamThursday, May 23: Guys for Kids (Cornwall)
Worth a road trip! 6-11pm at the Ramada Inn in Cornwall. Guys for Kids is an evening of beef (six food stations), beer (six beer stations), wine, spirits, golf, fishing, casino, hockey and more. Limited number of tickets left. $125. Money goes to Cornwall section of The Max Keeping Foundation.-- Max KeepingFriday, May 24: Art In The Alley
Local artists Alison Fowler, Ross Rheaume and myself present an outdoor, 1920's style garden art party in an alleyway in Wellington West. Opening night is Friday May 24th which will feature art under the moon and stars with music, food and refreshments. A hot dog street vendor and a visit from our local ice cream truck, The Merry Dairy, will also be on hand. We will continue to show our art all day Saturday and Sunday 11am till 5pm. -- Andrew KingFriday-Saturday, May 24-25: One World Awesome Arts Festival
The 5th annual One World Awesome Arts Festival is taking place at York Street Public School and at Le Patro Parking Lot. This unique festival will feature live performances, artwork and videos created by the youth of Lowertown. The goal of the Awesome Arts program is to raise awareness about global issues through the arts. This is a great opportunity to encourage the youth in our community! -- Eliane Laberge

Friday-Sunday, May 24-26: Festibière de Gatineau
The Gatineau Beer Fest, better known as the Festibière, will be taking over the Jacques-Cartier Park for its third annual edition. This year, 55 artisans and over 350 beers will be presented to the public. The event will also feature 20 shows and animations and 15 conferences on beer and beer-making. Make sure you check out this event if you’re a beer lover: you certainly won’t regret it!-- Eliane LabergeSaturday May 25: Taste of Spring
Chefn' it up at The Unrefined Olive On May 25th Chef Justin Scott of Kudos Cuisine will be demonstrating cooking concepts and culinary skills with The Unrefined Olive olive oils & balsamic vinegars.-- Laura Gauthier

Saturday, May 25 - Maria Luisa's 3rd Annual Spring Day for Kids
Maria Luisa de Moreno International Foundation Canada is organizing its 3rd Annual Spring Day for Kids celebration. Our charity organizes this event every spring in order to raise funds for children in need. There will be music, various activities and competitions for children and adults throughout the event. Families will have the opportunity to participate with their children in different activities and enjoy a very good meal. This is a community event with free admission and free lunch for children under 12 years old.At Jack Purcell Park and Community Center (320 Jack Purcell Lane)-- Sara-Lynne Levine

Saturday, May 25: MEC Paddlefest
Interested in kayaking, canoeing or standup paddleboarding? Don't know much (or anything?) about these watersports but would like to learn more? Then you should check out the MEC Paddlefest being held this Saturday at Mooney's Bay Park from 9am to 5:15pm. There, you'll have the opportunity to go for a test paddle, learn skills at a clinic, browse exhibitors’ booths, and hunt for deals on gear. Learn more about the clinics, most of which have a nominal fee and require you to register on the website.-- Gordon DewisSaturday, May 25: Geggie Series with William Carn, Tara Davidson, Tim Bedner, and Jim Doxas
At the NAC Fourth Stage. Saturday is the end of an era in Ottawa jazz: the last show in John Geggie s invitational series at the National Arts Centre Fourth Stage, where he mixed and matched jazz artists to produce innovative shows in a variety of styles. This show matches him on bass with local guitarist Tim Bedner, Montreal drummer Jim Doxas, and two Torontonians: William Carn on trombone and Tara Davidson on saxophone for what should be a fascinating combination of musical ideas. -- Alayne McGregorSunday, May 26: Idle Hands Arts, Craft and Vintage Sale
At St. Anthony’s Banquet Hall from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The event offers a great opportunity to buy quality art, handmade and vintage one of a kind items.-- Eliane LabergeSunday, May 26: Dusty Owl Reading Series
Newfoundland author Michelle Butler Hallet reads from Deluded Your Sailors: A Chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Novel at the Dusty Owl Reading Series, Mugshots, 75 Nicholas. Starts at 3:00pm with music by pianist Matthew Larkin plus an open mic.-- Amanda EarlWednesday, May 29: Star Wars Trivia
OK, this suggestion has nothing to do with music, but I'm a dude who was born in the mid 1970s, so I love Star Wars. That's why the Geek Trivia: Star Wars edition caught my eye. Wednesday at Pressed you can indulge your inner geek and you just know someone will be rocking the Leah hair buns.-- Ryan BreseeWednesday-Sunday, May 29-June 2: Ottawa International Children’s Festival
Sure, you knew that the Ottawa International Children’s Festival is an award-winning and magical celebration of performance for kids featuring artists from around the world. But did you know it’s got some creative environmental programming, too? Starting on Wednesday and continuing until June 2, the Festival’s offerings include four Children’s Short Plays about wildlife written by Ottawa kids, some Let’s Talk Science workshops and lots more fun stuff. -- Denise Deby

Have a great week!

See also:Ottawa Events Guide
If you liked this post, you should subscribe to etcetera, our free email newsletter. Featuring cool Ottawa events, interesting local news and contests and giveaways. Thanks!